UM education dean to serve as interim chancellor

The dean of the education college at the University of Montana will serve as interim chancellor at the University of Montana Western in Dillon when current Chancellor Richard Storey retires on Aug. 8.

Roberta “Bobbie” Evans is dean of UM’s Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences. She intends to move to Dillon before Aug. 8 to familiarize herself with the campus and community.

“I am very excited to serve the University of Montana Western in this way,” Evans said. “As one of America's most progressive universities, its exemplary faculty, staff and administrators have built visionary programs and an extraordinary reputation. I look forward to supporting the institution's outstanding trajectory this fall by joining their team.”

UM President Royce Engstrom said the search for the next chancellor is well underway. He expects the search committee to bring a group of finalists to campus in late summer or early fall and hopes the next chancellor begins work Jan. 1, 2015.

"I want to congratulate and thank Chancellor Storey for a job well done and wish Dick and his family well as they settle into their new home in Dillon,” Engstrom said. “His leadership and results at Montana Western have been excellent.”

Evans has served as UM education dean for nine years.

“She has demonstrated outstanding leadership,” Engstrom said. “She has worked in the Montana University System for 24 years, so she has a deep knowledge of the system. I know she will lead and represent Montana Western most effectively during this interim period.”